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Cost of Living in Morant Bay

Morant Bay, Saint Thomas, Jamaica · Population 11,121

▼ -16% vs Jamaica average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)J$75,232 ($482)
Couple, monthlyJ$133,705 ($857)
Family of four, monthlyJ$173,091 ($1,110)

Estimated Prices in Morant Bay

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantJ$800 ($5.13)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeJ$3,201 ($20.52)per meal
CappuccinoJ$240 ($1.54)each
Monthly groceries (single person)J$18,140 ($116)per month
Monthly public transport passJ$2,934 ($18.81)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentJ$7,736 ($49.59)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)J$2,241 ($14.36)per month
Fitness club membershipJ$2,241 ($14.36)per month
Cinema ticketJ$587 ($3.76)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreJ$31,453 ($202)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreJ$21,880 ($140)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreJ$65,640 ($421)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Morant Bay is J$84,240 ($540) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of J$75,232 ($482) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly J$97,802 ($627) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (J$21,880 ($140)) represents about 29% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Morant Bay

Morant Bay vs KingstonMorant Bay vs PortmoreMorant Bay vs Spanish TownMorant Bay vs Montego BayMorant Bay vs Lucky HillMorant Bay vs Half Way Tree

Nearby Cities

Port Morant

10 km away · Saint Thomas

Port Antonio

33 km away · Portland

Kingston

42 km away · Kingston

Half Way Tree

44 km away · Saint Andrew

Portmore

49 km away · Saint Catherine

Spanish Town

59 km away · Saint Catherine

Bog Walk

68 km away · Saint Catherine

Linstead

72 km away · Saint Catherine

Other Major Cities in Jamaica

Kingston

Kingston · pop. 1,190,000

J$111,712 ($716) / mo

Portmore

Saint Catherine · pop. 182,153

J$84,240 ($540) / mo

Spanish Town

Saint Catherine · pop. 131,056

J$84,240 ($540) / mo

Montego Bay

Saint James · pop. 123,994

J$84,240 ($540) / mo

Lucky Hill

Saint Mary · pop. 114,227

J$84,240 ($540) / mo

Half Way Tree

Saint Andrew · pop. 96,494

J$84,240 ($540) / mo

May Pen

Clarendon · pop. 61,548

J$84,240 ($540) / mo

Living in Morant Bay

Morant Bay is one of the key cities in Jamaica. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is J$75,232 ($482), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around J$21,880 ($140) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to J$173,091 ($1,110) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately J$133,705 ($857) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Morant Bay is J$84,240 ($540). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least J$97,802 ($627) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Morant Bay expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated J$75,232 ($482) per month in Morant Bay including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Jamaica.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Morant Bay?
A net salary of around J$97,802 ($627) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Morant Bay with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Morant Bay is J$84,240 ($540).
How much is rent in Morant Bay?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated J$31,453 ($202) per month in the city centre and J$21,880 ($140) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about J$65,640 ($421).
Is Morant Bay cheaper than Jamaica on average?
Yes — Morant Bay is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Jamaica average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Morant Bay?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at J$18,140 ($116) in Morant Bay. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about J$800 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around J$240 ($2).
How do transport costs in Morant Bay compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Morant Bay is estimated at J$2,934 ($19). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Morant Bay are estimates based on Jamaica national averages adjusted for city size (population 11,121). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.